The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 for Windows 8.1 Preview 64-bit is a driver release specifically designed for Nvidia GeForce notebook GPUs running on the Windows 8.1 Preview operating system. Released in conjunction with Microsoft’s public availability of the Windows 8.1 Release Preview, this driver offers initial support and optimizations for the new operating system. This article provides an overview of this driver, its purpose, compatibility, and important considerations for users.
Understanding Notebook Graphics Drivers
Notebook graphics drivers, unlike their desktop counterparts, often require specific customization and certification from the notebook’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This is because notebook GPUs are integrated within a complex system that includes power management, thermal controls, and display settings that are unique to each notebook model. As a result, OEMs like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others often provide their own tailored drivers that are optimized for their specific hardware configurations.
Nvidia, however, also releases "reference drivers" like the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 for Windows 8.1 Preview 64-bit, which are designed to be compatible with a wide range of Nvidia GPUs found in notebooks. These reference drivers offer a general level of support and are often released to coincide with new operating system updates or game releases.
Purpose of the 326.01 Driver
The primary purpose of the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 for Windows 8.1 Preview 64-bit was to provide early support for Nvidia GeForce notebook GPUs on the then-new Windows 8.1 Preview. This allowed users who were testing the pre-release version of Windows 8.1 to ensure that their graphics cards were functioning correctly and to take advantage of any new features or optimizations that the driver provided.
Key Considerations Before Installation
Before installing the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 for Windows 8.1 Preview 64-bit, it is crucial to understand the following:
- OEM Recommendation: Nvidia explicitly recommends checking with your notebook OEM for recommended software updates. The OEM-provided drivers are typically the most stable and optimized for your specific notebook model.
- Potential for Issues: Installing a reference driver like this one may lead to compatibility issues or instability, especially if the driver is not specifically designed for your notebook’s hardware configuration.
- Limited OEM Support: OEMs may not provide technical support for issues that arise from the use of reference drivers. If you encounter problems after installing the 326.01 driver, you may need to troubleshoot the issue yourself or seek assistance from Nvidia’s support channels.
- Windows 8.1 Preview Specific: This driver was specifically designed for the Windows 8.1 Preview. Using it on other operating systems, including the final release of Windows 8.1 or other versions of Windows, is not recommended and may cause problems.
Compatibility and Supported Products
While Nvidia did not provide a comprehensive list of all supported GPUs, the driver was intended to be compatible with a broad range of GeForce notebook GPUs available at the time of its release. The driver download page may have contained a list of explicitly supported GPUs, as well as a list of exceptions. Unfortunately, this information is no longer readily available. However, generally speaking, it would have supported many of the GeForce 600M, 700M, and potentially some of the higher-end 500M series GPUs.
Where to Download the Driver
Due to the age of the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 for Windows 8.1 Preview 64-bit, finding a direct download link can be challenging. However, you can attempt to download it from the following links:
-
Original Nvidia Download Link: [This link is no longer available]
-
Alternative Download Link (Softpedia): https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/GRAPHICS-BOARD/NVIDIA/NVIDIA-GeForce-326-01-Driver-for-Windows-8-1-64-bit.shtml
Disclaimer: Please exercise caution when downloading files from third-party websites. Ensure that the website is reputable and that you scan the downloaded file for viruses before installation.
Installation Process
The installation process for the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 for Windows 8.1 Preview 64-bit is generally the same as for other Nvidia drivers:
- Download the Driver: Download the driver executable file from the links provided above.
- Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded file to launch the Nvidia driver installer.
- Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the installation process. Accept the license agreement and choose the installation options that best suit your needs.
- Reboot Your Computer: After the installation is complete, you will be prompted to reboot your computer. This is necessary for the driver to be fully loaded.
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues after installing the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 for Windows 8.1 Preview 64-bit, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Roll Back the Driver: If the driver is causing instability, you can roll back to the previous driver version through the Device Manager.
- Clean Install: Perform a clean installation of the driver by selecting the "Perform a clean installation" option during the installation process. This will remove any previous Nvidia driver files and settings.
- Check for Conflicts: Ensure that there are no conflicting software or drivers installed on your system.
- Contact Nvidia Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue yourself, you can contact Nvidia support for assistance.
- Consult Notebook OEM: Remember to check with your notebook OEM for recommended drivers and support resources.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 for Windows 8.1 Preview 64-bit was an important release for users who were testing the Windows 8.1 Preview on their Nvidia GeForce-powered notebooks. While it provided early support for the new operating system, it was essential to consider the potential for compatibility issues and the importance of checking with the notebook OEM for recommended drivers. While this driver is quite old, it serves as a historical example of the driver release process for notebook GPUs and the considerations that users should keep in mind when installing graphics drivers. The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 326.01 for Windows 8.1 Preview 64-bit provided a stepping stone for those using the preview operating system.